for any increase." An interview was arranged for August 16th, and the claim was then emphasised for 10s. for all those over 18, and 5s. under that age, but that youths under 18 acting as firemen should receive the adult amount. It was also claimed that the award should be made on the eight hour basis. The claim was placed before the Board of Trade, but as nothing had matured up to August 27th, the General Secretary again wrote, as a result of which a meeting was arranged for September 11th. At this meeting it was stated the eight hour basis could not be acceded, and that the full war wage could not be granted to boys under 18. Whilst the increased cost of living warranted an advance of 2s. 9d., the Government proposed to offer two alternatives-3s. 6d, to men over 18, with 1s. 9d. to boys; or 4s. to men over 21. and 2s. to boys under 18, with nothing for those between 18 and 21. These were refused, and a further meeting was held the following day, when the offer was increased to 5s. and 2s. 6d., but no eight hour basis, and nothing more than usual for boys undernb18 employed as firemen, the increase to take effect from Monday, September 16th, with two week back pay on flat rates.
This offer, said the Railway Executive, was final, and the agreement would be ready to sign that night, and that Sir Herbert Walker was leaving for his holidays the next morning. The N.U.R., it should be added, was also negotiating, and had just left the Conference Chamber when the Executive entered. The Executive, therefore, got the impression that the N.U.R. was accepting, but still would neither accept nor sign. On the following day, September 13th, the Chairman had gone on holiday, so the position was wired to him, and arrangements were made for him to return to a meeting, along with the President of the Board of Trade, on September 17th. In fulfilment of this arrangement, meetings were held with these gentlemen at the Board of Trade on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 17th and 18th, Mr. Barnes representing the War Cabinet. At these prolonged meetings, the full claims were again pressed, and it was agreed that as the full war wage could not be conceded to boys under 18 acting as firemen, in future no more boys under that
